FIGHTING AT BEACH-HEAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25456, 10 February 1944, Page 5

FIGHTING AT BEACH-HEAD

INCREASE IN AIR ACTIVITY „ , LONDON, Feb. 8. General von Kesselring’s counterattacks against the Anzio beach-head have temporarily dwindled, says Reuter’s correspondent at Allied headquarters, but Allied and German patrols are active along the 30-miles perimeter of the ’beach-head, and artillery exchanges are frequent. The British and American troops have further consolidated their positions west of Cisterna and north of Padiglione in readiness for the expected counter-offensive. The Germans are believed to have built up a force of formidable proportions. General von Kesselring is using tanks liberally, and .also flame-throwers, which appeared for the first time on the beach-head front against the Americans west of Cisterna. Reuter’s says an almost impenetrable curtain of Allied fighters over the beach-head confronted wave after wave of Focke-Wulfs sweeping in from the north yesterday, when the Germans made their heaviest air attacks against the Anzio beach-head since January 28. Yesterday a strong formation of fighters and fighter-bombers was used by the Luftwaffe in attacks against the Allied beach-head south of Rome, states a correspondent at Allied headquarters. It is estimated that over 120 Nazi planes attacked the area, with bomb-carrying Focke-Wulf 190’s in the majority. Messerschmitt 109’s flew as escorts.

Many spectacular aerial dog-fights developed. The Germans lost 16 FockeWulf 190’s and three Messerschmitt 109’s against an Allied loss of four American fighters. At least another 12 German aircraft were damaged. Many raiding formations were broken up before they reached their objectives, but some managed to drop bombs on the Allied positions. American fighters at times penetrated to the suburbs of Rome.

During running fights .five other enemy aircraft were destroyed by Spitfires of the coastal R.A.F. One was a Messerschmitt 210, and the others Heinkel 126's. In all, 24 enemy aircraft were destroyed for an Allied loss of five.

Invaders, Warhawks, Bostons, and Mitchells continued to attack enemy troop concentrations, supply routes, and communications near the beachhead battle line.